Johnny Manziel, the once phenomenal college football player, winner of the Heisman trophy was supposed to be the turning point for the Cleveland Browns – the top talent they were seeking to jumpstart a new era for their team. They signed the contract, but the glory never came – Johnny had the talent, but not the strength of character, self-discipline, responsibility, etc.  Too often, the war for talent results in the same scenario. In their eagerness to “close the deal” with a highly-skilled candidate, the hiring manager overlooks those other essential details called cultural fit, soft skills, and emotional intelligence. In the end, their incredibly-skilled new hire is a bad hire. Not a pretty picture. In the past, we’ve discussed both soft skills and cultural fit. Today we’ll talk about emotional intelligence.

By definition, emotional intelligence is the essence of an individual that manages his/her behaviors and personal choices, as well as guiding him/her through the often complex paths of social interactions. It not only measures the personal emotions, but also perceives the message those emotions are sending and how they affect others. Furthermore, it is also the keen ability to perceive the emotions, messages, etc. that others are sending and understanding how to respond in a healthy manner. Strong, healthy emotional intelligence, a pillar to personal and professional success, will not only make the difference between a bad hire or a good one, but it can also make the difference between an ok hire and a great one.

 3 Key Factors of Emotional Intelligence

Self-awareness: the ability to recognize personal emotions accurately, while in the moment. This ability enables individuals to:

  • Deal with his/her emotions, rather than being overwhelmed by them.
  • Perceive how his/her personal emotions are affecting others.
  • Receive constructive criticism and learn from it, responding in a positive manner.
  • Be a strong team player.

Self-regulation or management: the ability to manage emotions appropriately – neither verbally spewing them with total disregard of consequences, nor ignoring them. This enables individuals to:

  • Articulate his/her opinions, ideas, and emotions clearly – with restraint.
  • Bend in the wind, effectively coping with change at any given moment.
  • Respond to disappointments and stressful situations with optimistic resilience.
  • Manage make positive behavioral choices.

Social Awareness and Competence: The ability to perceive the moods, behaviors, and motives of others. This perception enables individuals to:

  • Build healthy professional and personal relationships.
  • Resolve conflicts confidently, while maintaining poise.
  • Build rapport and trust with others, encouraging genuine connections with people on professional and personal levels.
  • Help build strong teams.

Emotional intelligence is a significant factor in great hires. Look beneath the surface when evaluating resumes and deciphering interview responses. Look for achievements and answers that indicate the presence of the abilities listed above.

At Robbins Staffing Solutions, we specialize in helping our clients discern true emotional intelligence as well as other essential factors. We connect great candidate choices with businesses throughout Central Virginia. Contact us today and find great hires for all your open positions.